University of Rhode Island - Renaissance / Grist Yearbook (Kingston, RI)

Page 11 text:

Row t: Miss Catherine M. Casserlv, Sec., Dr. James P. Adams, Chairman; President Francis H. Horn, Mrs. Jose M. Ramos. Row 2: Mr. Robert S. Sherman, Dr. Michael F. Walsh, Mr. Hugo R. Mainelli, Mr. George W. Kelsey. Board of Trustees Executive Council Standing: T. N. McClure, Dean G. A. Ballentine, Dean E. H. Wiley, Dean S. T. Crawford, Dr. Pelton. Seated: Prof. M. O. Sayles, Dean H. W. Youngken, Jr., Dean H. N. Browning, Dean E. B. Morris, Pres. F. H. Horn, Dean J. F. Quinn, Dr. E. C. Winslow, F. W. Eastwood, D. E. Fry, Dean O. P. Brucher. I .1

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On being told, four years ago, that the Class of i960 had chosen me to be its academic adviser, I felt an awe- some burden descend upon me: I envisioned myself handing out, Solomon-like, counsel and solace to an end- less number of you afflicted with psychic, amatory, gastric, academic, and heavens knows what other prob- lems of overwhelming dimensions. Such a task would require superhuman resources of mind and heart, and why then, I wondered, had you chosen one so obviously unequipped and green that he still has trouble differen- tiating himself from the Freshman. For we came to this University together. But it occurs to me now that half- consciously you may have selected a faculty member who appeared as bewildered as yourselves. Since then, of course, we have all become older and wiser. But perhaps the bargain has been too one-sided in that I learned from you and your sober spirit of in- dependence, whereas you have merely had your class funds protected against embezzlement, if not against foolish expenditures. On the other hand, there may be a certain symbolic significance in the fact that you now go forth into the world prepared to leave your indelible mark on it, while I stay behind. How then should I pre- sume to add my Parthian shot of say advice to those that will inevitably be inflicted upon you, so that, bearing the ritual scars—milder than those of a former age—, you can be released into the great outdoors? But since your kind editor has given me permission, I cannot re- sist the impulse to fire off at least a parting volley. Kven so, it is in the form of a hope rather than an in- junction: may the University have provi ded you nor only with the skills and knowledge needed to part- icipate in the solemn ritual of adult existence, but also with that true expansion of the intellect and imagina- tion which has been envisaged as the final goal of a university education. I do not even think— oh heresy ! that it matters so much whether in later life you are happy or not: only preserve the magnanimity, largeness of spirit and outlook, which is the mark of the truly ed- ucated. Remember, as one wise New Englander put it, that man’s capacities have never been measured. With that sense of the endless possibilities of human existence, we can engage in life joyously: without it we fail our- selves and the society around us. But pretense to wisdom, as Socrates said, is the worst of follies, though he was also the first to see that we begin to be wise when we realize our own foolishness. Therfore, go forth prudently, magnanimously, but do not hesitate to be at times just a little foolish, With the very best wishes of your ‘Class Adviser’ Dr. Richard T. Neuse 6

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TO THE CLASS OF i960 My congratulations to the members of the Class of i960 upon the completion of your undergraduate work at URI. You have been students at the University during one of the most exciting periods, certainly the most significant one, in its history. At no previous time has there been such an expansion of the physical facilities on campus. But more important, the academic program has been broadened and strengthened, until now at the time of your graduation, your alma mater has become a true university. You have shared in the intellectual ferment this transition has occasioned, and you leave the campus knowing that a great future is assured for URL I hope that you will cherish your alma mater even more warmly, that you will support her generously and loyally, and that you will be increasingly proud of the institution which has provided you with the education so necessary to your success and happiness. You are fortunate to be graduating at this time, far more so than I was, when I received my bachelor’s degree just thirty years ago. Never before has the world had such need of trained intelligence, of broad understanding and specialized compe- tence, of dedication to the ideal of free minds in a free society. We hope that your education at URI has helped you lay the foundation of these qualities, and that you will build upon that foundation a life of service to your community, to your coun- try, and to your fellowmen everywhere. In such services lies life’s richest satisfac- tions; and in our precarious world, in such service may indeed rest man’s survival. My best wishes go with you. No matter where you go or what you do, the Kings- ton campus is your educational home. We hope we can welcome you back to it often. Francis H. Horn President December 17, 1959